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Sex senator 'should resign'
30/08/2007 20:46 - (SA)
Washington - A Republican senator who has represented his state in Congress for 27 years is finding himself increasingly isolated from his political allies as more members of his party call for him to resign over his arrest in an airport men's room on a disorderly conduct charge.
A spokesperson for Senator Larry Craig denied widespread speculation in Washington that the senator - up for re-election next year - was preparing to quit.
Sidney Smith said on Wednesday he had heard no such discussion.
Republican Senate leaders pushed Craig from senior committee positions.
A White House spokesperson expressed disappointment in the 62-year-old lawmaker, who pleaded guilty earlier this month to a charge stemming from an undercover police operation last June in a Minneapolis airport bathroom.
His is the latest in a series of scandals involving Republicans that threaten to further tarnish the party's reputation.
Polls showed that ethical lapses by Republicans played a role in allowing Democrats to win control of Congress during last year's legislative elections.
'He should resign'
Now Republicans are trying to curb the power of the new Democratic majority in Congress and generate some enthusiasm for Republican candidates in the 2008 elections at a time when a Republican president, George W Bush, is at a record low in public opinion polls, mainly due to his handling of the war In Iraq.
Some Republicans took a harsh stand against the lawmaker. "Senator Craig pled guilty to a crime involving conduct unbecoming a senator," said Senator Norm Coleman. "He should resign."
Coleman, who faces a tough race for re-election next year, also turned over to charity a $2 500 campaign donation he received two months ago from Craig's political action committee.
Craig "represents the Republican Party", said Pete Hoekstra, who called the behaviour unacceptable and was the first in a steadily lengthening list of Republican members of Congress calling on Craig to quit.
Senator John McCain, a presidential contender, also urged Craig to step down, as did a handful of Republican House members.
'Unacceptable' behaviour
One Republican senator who did not call for Craig to resign - Kit Bond - said he was praying for Craig and his family but still called Craig's conduct intolerable.
"It is unacceptable for a member of Congress to be soliciting sex in public restrooms," Bond said.
Craig's spokesperson Smith said the Republican lawmakers "have a right to express themselves".
But, he added: "We're not going to get into an argument on that right now."
Craig is co-operating with Senate leaders by stepping aside as the senior Republican on the Veteran Affairs committee and from his position on two subcommittees, Smith said.
- AP
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